CBS Sports projected Chiefs’ LB Nick Bolton to LA in free agency
Fans saw the L.A. Rams’ defense grow up before their eyes this season with the addition of rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. The Rams moved past Aaron Donald and managed to transform the unit into a strength. However, the team can always use defensive reinforcements and one outlet has a star in mind to give LA a boost.
Jordan Dajani from CBS Sports urged the Rams to prioritize signing two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker Nick Bolton in free agency:
“The Rams have a talented defensive front with Braden Fiske, Jared Verse, Byron Young etc. Now, they need a veteran inside backer to fly around at the second level. That’s Nick Bolton. He’s averaged over eight tackles per game over 57 contests, recorded a career-high three sacks in 2024 and even made a case for Super Bowl MVP a couple years ago when he had a scoop-and-score vs. the Eagles. Bolton’s talent and leadership is needed in L.A.”
This season, Bolton racked up 106 total tackles, and set career highs in sacks (3.0) and QB hits (7) in 16 starts. The fourth-year LB has been a tackling machine and a consistent piece in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense since he was drafted by Kansas City in 2021.
Nick Bolton, @Chiefs LB, leads the team in total tackles and TFLs this season. This is the 2nd time in 4 seasons Bolton has led the team in both categories in the same season. #ChiefsKingdom #NFL #NFLPlayoffs #TexansvsChiefs #KansasCityChiefs pic.twitter.com/DcGHIV0aJG
— Pro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador (@PFHOFAmbassador) January 18, 2025
During his sophomore campaign, Bolton had an astonishing 180 combined tackles as the Chiefs won the first of back-to-back titles. The Mizzou product would have likely won MVP honors in the 2023 Super Bowl against the Eagles if Patrick Mahomes didn’t perform his usual big game heroics. Bolton had a crucial 36-yard fumble return that shifted the tide of the game.
NICK BOLTON IS HIM.#MIZ | #SuperBowl
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) February 13, 2023
Given all the youth on the Rams’ defense, adding a leader like Bolton to the mix could push the unit to the next level. Linebacker is a major need for LA and should be addressed by Les Snead and the front office this offseason. Emphasis on should.
The Rams have several important decisions to make across the roster, ranging from Matthew Stafford to Cooper Kupp. Los Angeles should be quite active once the offseason gets into full swing. We’ll see soon enough if Bolton or any other top defenders will fit into the Rams’ plans.
